The journey of Yogi Adityanath, from being the mahant of a prominent religious order to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, was meteoric. Equally interesting is his rise as an administrator with an incorruptible, no-nonsense image. Completing two-and-a-half years in office, Adityanath spoke about his mission and vision for U.P. to Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa, Senior Deputy Editor Uday Mahurkar, INDIA TODAY (Hindi) Editor Anshuman Tiwari, and Assistant Editor Ashish Misra at his Lucknow residence. Excerpts:

India Today Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie talks about the 'Hard Times' in the September 16 issue of India Today magazine. Has the government done enough to pull the economy out of the current rut? The issue gives an insight of why the downslide is worrisome.

India Today Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie talks about the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and how the coming months will be crucial for the government for reconciling with citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and restoring normalcy in the region.